"Surprisingly, Many People Seem to Be Uninformed: Let's Learn About the Differences Between Lace and Embroidery"

What is the Difference Between Embroidery and Lace?

The terms "embroidery" and "lace" are words that you will definitely hear when choosing a wedding dress or accessories.

☑︎ A dress with beautiful embroidery

☑︎ A train lavishly adorned with lace

You often hear expressions like these.

In DIY projects, you might try making an embroidered ring pillow or using lace ribbons, making both very familiar materials.

But…

If someone asked you what "embroidery" and "lace" specifically refer to and how they differ, could you confidently explain it with a clear answer?

Perhaps not many people have a clear understanding of this.

This article addresses the question, "So, what is the difference between embroidery and lace?"

What is "Embroidery"?

First, let's explain embroidery.

Embroidery is a technique for decorating fabric using embroidery thread and needles. In English, it is called "Embroidery."

It is said to have a history of over 3000 years globally, with unique techniques developing in various regions and civilizations.

Broadly speaking, manufacturing methods can be classified into hand embroidery done by people and machine embroidery done using machines.

Embroidery refers to "creating three-dimensional patterns by sewing into the fabric."

What is "Lace"?

Now, what exactly is lace?

Lace refers to a collective term for fabric that is made using threads in a lacy pattern.

So, what is the difference between embroidery and lace?

In other words, the difference is that

embroidery refers to "the parts where patterns are stitched with thread on fabric," whereas

lace refers to "the entire fabric with a lacy pattern." It becomes clear that lace encompasses the whole.

Moreover, if it has a lacy pattern, it can be called lace even if it is not made with embroidery.

For example, inexpensive lace is created by using machines to make holes in thin fabric to produce a lacy pattern.

What about the term "Embroidery Lace"?

Lace comes in various types, including needle lace and tatting lace, and one of them is embroidery lace (embroidery lace). This involves embroidering on fabric like lace.

Since embroidery is done with thread on a very thin material to create patterns, it is a very labor-intensive lace. High-end wedding dresses often use this embroidery lace.

[Embroidery? Lace?] Let's Learn by Looking!

I have explained the difference between embroidery and lace in writing.

Even if you have some conceptual understanding, it might not be entirely clear, so next, I will explain while showing actual photos.

Here is a fabric with flowers embroidered in pink and red on organza. You can see the three-dimensionality unique to embroidery and the beauty of the changes in embroidery thread.

This dress, which features embroidery throughout, costs about 900,000 yen.

This fabric is adorned with white flower embroidery all over a thin material. Each flower is embroidered, but since it has a lacy pattern, it can also be considered broadly as lace.

Since it features hand embroidery, this is indeed embroidery lace.

Here, each flower is embroidered (machine-stitched), but the fabric itself has a lacy pattern, so it is referred to as lace.

This is lace paper. It is often placed under cakes and is paper shaped with lace patterns. Although it is not stitched with thread, it has a lacy design. Affordable lace ribbons are often made by creating holes with machines as well.

Did You Understand the Difference Between Embroidery and Lace?

How was that? Do you feel you understand the difference between lace and embroidery well enough to use them correctly in the future?

The more you think about it, the more complicated it can seem, but remember that embroidery is not the same as lace.

In summary,

① Embroidery often refers to an action or a part of an item,

② while lace often signifies the whole that is made up of embroidery.

③ Additionally, lace can be formed without embroidery.

Embroidery requires a very high level of skill, and there are not many people or manufacturers who can create it, so relatively affordable items are often made with lace rather than embroidery.

Hence, lace created with embroidery is extremely valuable and precious. In ancient times, it was considered something to be cherished.

So when you encounter a dress or veil adorned with embroidery, remember to think, "What a luxurious item this is ♡"